Author: dianarasmussen

Diana Rasmussen is a Faith Builder, Worship Leader, Veteran's wife, and a Certified Peer Specialist. At her blog Prayers and Promises she shares from her heart on how to find hope in this crazy world!
faith, God, Hope, Quotes, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

The Wind of the Spirit Quotes

The other day I took our two dogs outside to play. I sat on the doorstep and had a heart to heart with God while Max and Ruby were playing. I said, “Lord, you know I have been stuck in this season and going nowhere lately. I need your help. Can you please just give me a refill of your Holy Spirit again? I want to be full of your Spirit Lord and not my own.”

It only took a minute. Then God poured out this tremendous fall breeze. I looked up and felt the wind of the Spirit fill my heart once again. “Yes Lord, Yes!” All I had to do was ask! Yes, just ask. Somehow I thought that once you got the Holy Spirit you just had it forever. But I wanted more, so I asked, and that is what Jesus says we can do.

“And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you.  Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” – John 16: 23-24 NKJV

” If you, then, being evil [that is, sinful by nature], know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask and continue to ask Him!” Luke 11:13 AMP

 

The Wind of the Spirit Quotes

 

  1. “I’ve never seen the Holy Spirit, but I’ve seen His powerful wind blowing through people’s lives.” — James MacDonald
  2. “When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” – Acts 2:1-4 NKJV
  3. “It is the Holy Spirit’s job to convict, God’s job to judge and my job to love.”― Billy Graham
  4. “Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” – Acts 2:38-39 NKJV
  5. “Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’  The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” – John 3:5-8 NKJV
  6. “The wizard [of Oz] says look inside yourself and find self. God says look inside yourself and find [the Holy Spirit]. The first will get you to Kansas.
    The latter will get you to heaven. Take your pick.” ― Max Lucado
  7. ” Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.”  When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.
    So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” – John 20:19-23 NKJV
  8. “After all, prayer is the difference between the best you can do and the best God can do. And that’s a big difference!
    If we hit our knees, the Holy Spirit will do the heavy lifting. If we hit our knees, the Holy Spirit will reveal things that can only be discovered in the presence of God. If we hit our knees, the Holy Spirit will give us God-ideas for our ministry, family, business – for our lives.”
    ― Mark Batterson
  9. “ In Him, you also, when you heard the word of truth, the good news of your salvation, and [as a result] believed in Him, were stamped with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit [the One promised by Christ] as owned and protected [by God].  The Spirit is the guarantee [the first installment, the pledge, a foretaste] of our inheritance until the redemption of God’s own [purchased] possession [His believers], to the praise of His glory.” – Ephesians 1:13-14 AMP

 

God, Hope, Motivation, motivational, Prayer, Psalms, Spirituality

Just Keep Planting

I admit it, I have been in a dry season lately. Sometimes I get tired of fighting life and just hibernate. I know, not the best idea. But let’s get real, has that ever happened to you? When I look back over my life I can think of numerous times I have felt this way. I try to wish it away, listen to motivational preachers, listen to Christian music and pray, but the soil is still dry and cracked in my soul.

I know this will pass. It always does. I think back of how God rescued me from myself or others or situations in the past. He does it every time. Thank you Lord that You are faithful and have never forgotten me.  Even when I don’t feel like it, You lift up my head and crown me with loving kindness and mercy. You have never left or forsaken me.

“Lift up your heads, O gates,
And be lifted up, ancient doors,
That the King of glory may come in.
Who is the King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty,
The Lord mighty in battle. 
Lift up your heads, O gates,
And lift them up, ancient doors,
That the King of glory may come in.
Who is [He then] this King of glory?
The Lord of hosts,
He is the King of glory [who rules over all creation with His heavenly armies]. Selah.”  -Psalm 24-7-10AMP

 

 

 

“Bless and affectionately praise the Lord, O my soul, And all that is [deep] within me, bless His holy name.
Bless and affectionately praise the Lord, O my soul,
And do not forget any of His benefits;
Who forgives all your sins,
Who heals all your diseases;
Who redeems your life from the pit,
Who crowns you [lavishly] with lovingkindness and tender mercy;
Who satisfies your years with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the [soaring] eagle.”-Psalm103:1-5 AMP

 

So how do you water a thirsty soul? I have to drown it with water – the living Word of God. The Holy Spirit promises to fill me up, even to overflowing! Spending time in prayer and in reading or listening to God’s Word pulls me up and out of how I feel. The rain of God’s Word will irrigate my dry heart and fill it up so I can receive the Word in my heart!

“Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again,  but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.”-John 4:13-14NKJV

 

From: wallpaper4god.com

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.” -Psalm 23:1-6 NKJV

There WILL be a harvest in our lives – but only if we JUST KEEP PLANTING!  Let us plant more seed, the Word of God in our lives to see the harvest. Don’t give up now, our stories aren’t finished yet. God is still writing…

 

God, Prayer, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

Prayer is Power

I want to live my life plugged into God.  I have lived much of my life plugged into other people, things, jobs, kids, but now I want to reconnect my power cord to God’s power.  The power of God is the Spirit of God and prayer connects us to God. Prayer is a dialogue, a two way conversation. Prayer is also a current, like electricity. It turns on the light of revelation. Lord, let my eyes of my inner man/woman be opened

“Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God’s people everywhere, I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.” – Ephesians 1:15-18

There are times that God will show you who to pray for and what they are battling. But just Just because you see something in prayer doesn’t mean you should share it with everyone. We are all subject to authority. Just because the Holy Spirit tells us something  – that doesn’t give us permission to share it. God may be looking for a person to pray for another individual. We don’t need to confront that person either. We we can pray and when God says its time to have a talk with them we go to them individually at first, then with 2-3 witnesses, and only then to the church body. We don’t get to release anything at anytime.

“Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.” – Romans 13:1-2

When it is time to share with them, let us also remember the master strategy for Prophets.  Love the sinner and hate the sin. When dealing with evil we need to shine the light in the darkness.  Without exposure, it empowers their wicked schemes. Prophets are like spotlights. They shine the light of God’s truth in the dark places of the human heart to bring light, love, and Jesus.

“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.  See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good.  Abstain from every form of evil.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:14-22

 

faith, God, Healing, Religion and Spirituality

Our Mistakes Do Not Define Us

Mistakes. We all make them. Wrong choices. We all do them. But what do you do with that?

 Mercy

Questions to Ponder:

Are you one to forgive and forget?

Do you hold onto those mistakes to beat yourself up with later?

Do you expect yourself to be perfect?

Are you angry when you or others make a mistake?

I have to admit it – I am a recovering Perfectionist.  I used to have very unrealistic expectations for myself and for others. I was miserable. And I made everyone else miserable. I could not receive grace or mercy from God because I would not accept it while I was trying to be “perfect”. For me, it shut down my heart. I didn’t allow myself to “let my guard down” with God or anyone else. So I became a “platstic person”. I was never good enough in my own eyes. And neither was anyone else. But I would smile on the outside and say I was just fine…

It took the love of God to break through my mask of perfection. The more I read the Word, the more I received forgiveness and love from the Lord. He loved me right where I was at, and encouraged me to get up and try again.

If God forgave me, who was I to condemn myself?

And who was I to criticize what God had made?

Forgive yourself

What freedom I found when I finally gave myself permission to make mistakes. Wow, I can’t tell you how great it is to be human today. And now I can extend grace and mercy to others too. Because I have received grace and mercy from God. I forgave myself. God did. Jesus died for all my sins. I believe it. I receive it.  And now I can forgive others.  I can only give to others what God has given me. If I could not receive forgiveness for my shortcomings how could I forgive others for theirs?

I encourage you today. Forgive yourself. God already did, and I forgive you too – for whatever. Accept healing, accept grace, accept mercy – Jesus died to give it to us.  It’s ok to be human today! That’s how He made us anyway. And I really think He already knew we would need His help!

“But you shall be named the priests of the Lord, They shall call you the servants of our God. You shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, And in their glory you shall boast. Instead of your shame you shall have double honor, And instead of confusion they shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess double; Everlasting joy shall be theirs.” (Isaiah 61:6-7 NKJV)

faith, God, Hope, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

Church is Hard

Recently a few of my friends shared this poem with me. It rang so true. I remember when I first came to church, it was so hard. And then going through life I have been in most of these situations. How about you?

Church is hard.

Church is hard for the person walking through the doors, afraid of judgement.

Church is hard for the pastor’s family, under the microscope of an entire body.

Church is hard for the prodigal soul returning home, broken and battered by the world.

Church is hard for the girl who looks like she has it all together, but doesn’t.

Church is hard for the couple who fought the entire ride to service.

Church is hard for the single mom, surrounded by couples holding hands, and seemingly perfect families.

Church is hard for the widow and widower with no invitation to lunch after service.

Church is hard for the deacon with an estranged child.

Church is hard for the person singing worship songs, overwhelmed by the weight of the lyrics.

Church is hard for the man insecure in his role as a leader.

Church is hard for the wife who longs to be led by a righteous man.

Church is hard for the nursery volunteer who desperately longs for a baby to love.

Church is hard for the single woman and single man, praying God brings them a mate.

Church is hard for the teenage girl, wearing a scarlet letter, ashamed of her mistakes.

Church is hard for the sinners.

Church is hard for me.

It’s hard because on the outside it all looks shiny and perfect. Sunday best in behavior and dress.

However, underneath those layers, you find a body of imperfect people, carnal souls, selfish motives.

But, here is the beauty of church—

Church isn’t a building, mentality, or expectation.

Church is a body.

Church is a group of sinners, saved by grace, living in fellowship as saints.

Church is a body of believers bound as brothers and sisters by an eternal love.

Church is a holy ground where sinners stand as equals before the Throne of Grace.

Church is a refuge for broken hearts and a training ground for mighty warriors.

Church is a converging of confrontation and invitation. Where sin is confronted and hearts are invited to seek restoration.

Church is a lesson in faith and trust.

Church is a bearer of burdens and a giver of hope.

Church is a family. A family coming together, setting aside differences, forgetting past mistakes, rejoicing in the smallest of victories.

Church, the body, and the circle of sinners-turned-saints, is where He resides, and if we ask, He is faithful to come.

So even on the hard days at church—

The days when I am at odds with a friend, When I’ve fought with my spouse because we’re late once again. When I’ve walked in bearing burdens heavier than my heart can handle, yet masking the pain with a smile on my face. When I’ve worn a scarlet letter, under the microscope. When I’ve longed for a baby to hold, or fought tears as the lyrics were sung. When I’ve walked back in, afraid and broken, after walking away.

I’ll remember, He has never failed to meet me there.

– Jacob Waldron

faith, God, power of words, Religion and Spirituality, Spiritual warfare, Spirituality

What is with the Inflammatory T-shirts?

I took my son to Physical Therapy last week. He recently broke both of the bones in his lower right leg. After the Dr. we stopped to pick up lunch for the ride back. We walked in the restaurant and I noticed there were 2 girls in front of us who were ordering. They had to be around 16 or so. One girl had purple hair, another had yellow dye and I though to myself, “Here are two budding artists or musicians!” I’m pretty open minded for kids to be able to express themselves.

But then my focus shifted to the one girl’s t-shirt. I couldn’t believe what it said, it stopped me in my tracks. Here is the shirt:

 

My first though was not the best idea – I’ll just go beat her with my Bible and tell her she has to repent or she’s going to Hell! Then Holy Spirit reminded me, maybe she is already living in Hell and has no hope. Maybe she wants to go to Hell because she has no faith in Jesus. Maybe she never met Jesus. I don’t know. I don’t know why or what led her to that mindset.

My second thought was I could go up to them while we wait for the food and I could ask her if I could pray with her. Then Holy Spirit reminded me that she doesn’t know God, she doesn’t know that Jesus can heal all things, so why would she want to pray to a God she doesn’t know or worship?

I couldn’t contain myself and I didn’t want to blow it by talking first and thinking later.  I took a break and walked to the restrooms. Yes, even there I am still arguing with God about how to reach this girl. Do I give her a card to church? No, that won’t work. Why would she want to go to a strange place when she probably has no hope or faith left. I mean, really, she’s talking to the ‘other guy. I can’t imagine why someone would wear a t-shirt like that. Something must have happened.

As I sat down waiting for the food Holy Spirit told me what I should do. “I want you to pray for her…” What? Just pray? I don’t get to confront her or tell her she has to ‘come to Jesus’ or she better ‘get right with God’? Yes, just pray. As you can see, I still have a bit of the ‘religious spirit’ that needs to be healed.

The girls got their food first and then us. As they left I said a prayer for both of them. “Lord please bless those girls and let them come to know you, in Jesus Name.” They went their way and we went ours.  Can I tell you that it’s been two weeks and I still pray for them. God said he hears our prayers and the effectual prayer of a righteous person avails  much.

 

 

God’s Word for You:

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another [your false steps, your offenses], and pray for one another, that you may be healed and restored. The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) can accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power].” – James 5:16 AMP

“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” – 1John 5:14 

“ I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but that You keep them and protect them from the evil one.” – John 17:15 AMP

 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor (fellow man) and hate your enemy.’  But I say to you, love [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for] your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,  so that you may [show yourselves to] be the children of your Father who is in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on those who are evil and on those who are good, and makes the rain fall on the righteous [those who are morally upright] and the unrighteous [the unrepentant, those who oppose Him].  For if you love [only] those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do that?  And if you greet only your brothers [wishing them God’s blessing and peace], what more [than others] are you doing? Do not even the Gentiles [who do not know the Lord] do that?  You, therefore, will be perfect [growing into spiritual maturity both in mind and character, actively integrating godly values into your daily life], as your heavenly Father is perfect.” – Matthew 5:43-48 AMP

My Prayer for You:

Dear Lord,

We pray for those who persecute us. We pray for the kids that You made and do not know You yet.  We pray that you would shine light in their darkness. Let them run into Your people wherever they go and lead them to You Jesus. You told us Lord, “And I, if and when I am lifted up from the earth [on the cross], will draw all people to Myself [Gentiles, as well as Jews].” – John 12:32. We lift You up Jesus and we will see You draw all people to yourself, in Jesus Name.

 

 

 

faith, God, humor, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

Are You Ready for a New Season?

Hallelujah, spring/summer is on it’s way in. No more snow. Yipee! I am not a fan of cold, snow, or winter, lol. I love when the grass is green and the flowers are blooming. Their fragrance is almost intoxicating. Give me a lilac bush, a rose bush, a hibiscus, anything. I love the smell of new growth. All of a sudden the plant pushes its way through the dark dirt and pops up to grow. What starts as a seed then sprouts and continues to grow and produce fruit/flowers/leaves.

Whatever the seed was, it becomes the plant it is supposed to be. The blueprint was already in the seed, even when it was buried. The potential was there from the beginning. That’s how we are too.

God formed us in our mother’s womb. He knew the end from the beginning. He called us OUT of darkness and INTO His marvelous light. He makes all things NEW. We are a new creation in Jesus. Our lives are hidden with Christ in God. I think I’m going to start living there, not just here on Earth.

Let’s choose to believe Him. Let’s choose faith, not fear. Let’s set our minds on things above, not below. Let’s walk in faith of what God’s Word says – even if we can’t see it yet!

 

 

A Time for Everything

There is a special time for everything. There is a time for everything that happens under heaven.  There is a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pick what is planted.  There is a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up.  There is a time to cry, and a time to laugh; a time to have sorrow, and a time to dance.  There is a time to throw stones, and a time to gather stones; a time to kiss, and a time to turn from kissing.  There is a time to try to find, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away.  There is a time to tear apart, and a time to sew together; a time to be quiet, and a time to speak.  There is a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace. – Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 NLV

faith, God, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality, Worship

God Will Turn Things Around for You

Has time ever caught up with you? Maybe it’s because I’m getting older, or maybe because all my kids moved out and are on their own. 

I was driving my son to the Doctor the other day. He just had a motorcycle accident 2 weeks ago and broke both of the bones in his lower right leg. He was turning 21 in the next few days and I had a hard time believing he was grown up already. As we drove through Janesville WI, we drove by his old elementary school. I remembered when he and his sister went there and I got a job there to be with them. I had just separated their psycho dad. We drove by the old trailer park we used to live in, and the YMCA Domestic Violence Center where God set us free from abuse. It seems like just yesterday I was living there with both of my young children. Then we drove by the A & W restaurant we would walk to from the shelter. We drove by the park I used to take them to when they were little.  I was so broke back then. I had a part time waitress job, and a full time job at a nursing home. Times were hard, but God is good and He provided for us in so many ways. He protected us and kept us safe.

Wow, God sure has a way of turning things around! Today my kids are 21, 22, 30, and 33. I am proud of all of them and they are all leading amazing lives. They always bring me joy and love. God has restored everything and more to us. I am a proud wife of an amazing man and we are blessed beyond belief!

God’s Word for You

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts.

“For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven,
And do not return there,
But water the earth,
And make it bring forth and bud,
That it may give seed to the sower
And bread to the eater,
So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me void,
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. – Isiah 55:8-11 NKJV

 

Instead of shame and dishonor,
    you will enjoy a double share of honor.
You will possess a double portion of prosperity in your land,
    and everlasting joy will be yours.

“For I, the Lord, love justice.
    I hate robbery and wrongdoing.
I will faithfully reward my people for their suffering
    and make an everlasting covenant with them.
Their descendants will be recognized
    and honored among the nations.
Everyone will realize that they are a people
    the Lord has blessed.” – Isaiah 61:7-9 NLT

 

Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ – Isiah 41:10 NKJV

 

“But all who devour you will be devoured,
    and all your enemies will be sent into exile.
All who plunder you will be plundered,
    and all who attack you will be attacked.
I will give you back your health
    and heal your wounds,” says the Lord.
“For you are called an outcast—
    ‘Jerusalem for whom no one cares.’”

This is what the Lord says:
“When I bring Israel home again from captivity
    and restore their fortunes,
Jerusalem will be rebuilt on its ruins,
    and the palace reconstructed as before.
There will be joy and songs of thanksgiving,
    and I will multiply my people, not diminish them;
I will honor them, not despise them.
Their children will prosper as they did long ago.
I will establish them as a nation before me,
    and I will punish anyone who hurts them.
They will have their own ruler again,
    and he will come from their own people.
I will invite him to approach me,” says the Lord,
    “for who would dare to come unless invited?
You will be my people,
    and I will be your God.” – Jeremiah 30: 16-22 NLT

 

My Prayer for You:

Dear Lord,

I am thanking you in advance for healing my brothers and sisters in Christ. We are your people and You are our God. During this process we choose to trust You and Your ways. Your word WILL accomplish what You said and it WILL prosper. Thank you Lord, for restoring all of us!

 

 

 

 

Let’s Worship Together:

  • GOD SAID HE WILL TURN IT AROUND

  • RESTORATION

  • GOD TURN IT AROUND

Hope, Quotes, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality, Women

Mother’s Day Quotes for 2021

Mothers Day Quotes for 2021

  • “I remember my mother’s prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life.”—Abraham Lincoln
  • “Behind all your stories is always your mother’s story, because hers is where yours begins.”- Mitch Albom
  • “As one whom his mother comforts,
    So I will comfort you;
    And you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.” – Isaiah 66:13 NKJV 
  • “Mothers hold their children’s hands for a short while, but their hearts forever.”—Unknown
  • “Mothers are like glue. Even when you can’t see them, they’re still holding the family together.” – Susan Gale
  • “For You formed my inward parts;
    You covered me in my mother’s womb.
    I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    Marvelous are Your works,
    And that my soul knows very well.” – Psalm 139:13-14 NKJV
  • “The most precious jewels you’ll ever have around your neck are the arms of your children.” – Author Unknown
  • “Mama was my greatest teacher, a teacher of compassion, love and fearlessness. If love is sweet as a flower, then my mother is that sweet flower of love.”—Stevie Wonder
  • “If you have a mom, there is nowhere you are likely to go where a prayer has not already been.” – Robert Brault
  • “My son, hear the instruction of your father,
    And do not forsake the law of your mother;
    For they will be a graceful ornament on your head,
    And chains about your neck.” – Proverbs 1:8-9 NKJV
  • “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”-1 Corinthians13:4-7NKJV

 

Dear Lord,

Be with all the Mothers today, whether they are here on Earth or with you in Heaven. Comfort your children and bring peace that surpasses understanding to all, in Jesus Name!

Anxiety, Depression, faith, God, Hope, Prayer, Psalms, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

Who Needs Strength?

Strength. Sometimes I have it, sometimes I don’t. What can I say? I’m still human. Some days I am on top of the world, and other days I can’t find my way out from under a rock.

Those hard days I have to take a step back, and pray. In those times I like to remind myself of what God says about strength.

“God is our refuge and strength, a tested help in times of trouble. And so we need not fear even if the world blows up and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam; let the mountains tremble!” – Psalm 46:1-3 TLB

“The Lord is a strong fortress. The godly run to him and are safe.” –
Proverbs 18:10 TLB

“The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, A refuge in times of trouble. And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.” –
Psalm 9:9-10 NKJV

“But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I gave Egypt for your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in your place.” – Isaiah 43:1-3 NKJV

“I sought the Lord, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears.” – Psalm 34:4 NKJV

behavior, Deliverance, Depression, Disablility, faith, God, Healing, Prayer, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality, Worship

Rise Up!

Yes, 2020 sucked. But it’s over. We made it. God saw us through and we are still here! Hallelujah! I don’t know about you, but there were a few times I didn’t know if I would make it to 2021. Yes, I have been knocked down this past year with deaths, COVID in my family, heart attack, and pancreatitis, as well as 5 other ER visits. It’s been kind of a blur. But one thing I do know, God was with me the whole time! There were days I cried, days I just wanted to give up, as well as happy days, and beautiful memories. COVID and illness has certainly given us all a clearer picture of what is really important.

There were more than a few days that I stayed home from Church and watched online. This was hard for me because I am part of our Worship Team. So is my husband Bob, and 6 other friends that are the most amazing gift ever. The last time I stayed home I just cried. The Worship Team sounded so good – without me. It was very humbling. Yes, they are all amazing and we are blessed. I felt lonely and left out. It’s so hard to be sick and stay home all the time. But God showed me something. I could praise Him at home, without the band, without my piano or bass, just on my own for He is worthy to be praised! I learned how to just BE with Jesus.

I learned a very important lesson this past year.

For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.” – Romans 14:8 NKJV

Yes, God is still on the throne, and whether I play or don’t play, laugh or cry, live or die, I belong to the Lord. This brought me comfort. It is way easier to let go of things I can’t control if I trust my God who knows the end from the beginning. God is with us. He has plans for us here and in Heaven.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.”
– Jeremiah 29:11-13 NKJV

This verse and song helped me too. I need to see the vision of where I am going, not where I am. Hope rises. Faith rises. God rises, and so will we!

 

RISE UP by Andra Day

 

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.” – Isaiah 60:1-3 NIV

 

 

You’re broken down and tired
Of living life on a merry go round
And you can’t find the fighter
But I see it in you so we gonna walk it out
And move mountains
We gonna walk it out
And move mountains, And I’ll rise up
I’ll rise like the day
I’ll rise up
I’ll rise unafraid
I’ll rise up
And I’ll do it a thousand times again
And I’ll rise up
High like the waves
I’ll rise up
In spite of the ache
I’ll rise up
And I’ll do it a thousand times again, For you
For you
For you
For you, When the silence isn’t quiet
And it feels like it’s getting hard to breathe
And I know you feel like dying
But I promise we’ll take the world to its feet
And move mountains
Bring it to its feet
And move mountains, And I’ll rise up
I’ll rise like the day
I’ll rise up
I’ll rise unafraid
I’ll rise up
And I’ll do it a thousand times again, For you
For you
For you
For you All we need, all we need is hope
And for that we have each other
And for that we have each other
And we will rise
We will rise
We’ll rise, oh, oh
We’ll rise I’ll rise up
Rise like the day
I’ll rise up
In spite of the ache
I will rise a thousand times again
And we’ll rise up
High like the waves
We’ll rise up
In spite of the ache
We’ll rise up
And we’ll do it a thousand times again For you
For you
For you
For you Ah, ah, ah, ah

 

Source: LyricFind

Songwriters: Cassandra Monique Batie / Jennifer Decilveo Rise Up lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Anxiety, Depression, Mental Illness, motivational, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

Don’t Give Up!

I heard this verse on the radio this week and it got to me. I didn’t realize I was so close to giving up. The pressures of Covid, the health issues I and my friends have had, etc. I don’t want to give up. I don’t want to quit. God didn’t bring us this far to leave us here. I choose to believe His Word, and GET UP!

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.  Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.  Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. – Galatians 6:7-10 

Here are a few more Don’t Give Up Quotes:

 

“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” – 2 Chronicles 15:7

Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ – Isaiah 41:10

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. – Joshua 1:9

 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. – Jerimiah 29:11

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. – 1 Corinthians 9:24

Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.  Let all that you do be done with love. – 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. – Ephesians 6:10

being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ – Philippians 1:6

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. – 2 Timothy 1:7